Children’s centre is ‘outstanding’

A session at Balmoral Children's Centre in Morecambe, which was rated as 'outstanding' by Ofsted inspectors.

Published:12:26Wednesday 18 March 2015

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“Exceptionally skilled, passionate and highly-focused leadership” has led to a Morecambe children’s centre being rated outstanding by Oftsed.

Balmoral Children’s Centre has established a well motivated staff team, with members having as their highest priority, meeting the needs of local children and families.

Leaders and staff have an excellent knowledge of the area, work in very close partnership with other professionals and are persistent in their encouragement of families to maintain contact.

Inspectors visiting the Balmoral Road centre last month found the work to enhance children’s readiness for school starts from an early age.

It is sharply focused, flexible and very well adapted to children’s different needs.

Centre staff work in very close liaisonwith schools, private settings and childminders, which leads to consistency of approach. At the endof the reception year, children in the most vulnerable groups achieve above their national peers. The centre’sallotment is an asset for the community, many of whom live in bedsits or flats. Children can enjoy fresh air, exercise, company and the pleasure, and economies, of growing their own vegetables.

“The Balmoral staff team have worked tirelessly since opening to make the centre a place where West End families feel safe and welcomed.

“The inspection result reflects the effort and passion put in all the staff team, our service partners and the very strong parent volunteer group who help deliver our services.

“I would also like to particularly thank Sandylands and West End Primary Schools, the midwifery and health visitor staff and the many voluntary sector organisations who have supported the centre from the start and helped make it what it is today.”